First Gynecological Exam
Q: What's the rule for taking my teenage daughter for her first visit to the
gynecologist? Should I wait until she has a problem, is age 18, or is sexually
active?
Concerned Mom
Dr. Donnica: Basically any or all of the above, although I would replace
the "sexually active" with "even thinking about being sexually
active." Also, if your daughter is going to college before she turns 18,
a visit before going to college is a good idea. If she's not 18/not yet sexually
active/has no problems, the first gyn exam does not necessarily have to include
an internal exam. It's a good time to establish rapport, talk about general gyn
health/breast exams/preventive issues (contraceptive and STD), etc. And even if
you have the best mother-daughter relationship on the planet and talk freely about
everything, this is a solo visit. If you take her, you sit in the waiting room
and read a magazine. The reason is so that she establishes an independent relationship
and if there ever is a time when she wants to speak freely with her gyn, she doesn't
have to ask you not to join her.
Best regards,
Donnica Moore MD
Created: 2/8/2003 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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